civilization
noun
civ·i·li·za·tion
ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shən 
1
a
: a relatively high level of cultural and technological development
specifically
: the stage of cultural development at which writing and the keeping of written records is attained
b
: the culture characteristic of a particular time or place
the impact of European civilization on the lands they colonized
2
: the process of becoming civilized
civilization is a slow process with many failures and setbacks
3
a
: refinement of thought, manners, or taste
exhibiting a high level of civilization
b
: a situation of urban comfort
Our African safari was quite interesting, but it was great to get back to civilization.
Examples of civilization in a Sentence
the impact of technical advancements on civilization
We are studying ancient Greek civilization.
a book about life on the planet after wars have destroyed civilization
Recent Examples on the Web
Related: The Best Times to Visit Belize Archaeologists believe the Offering Cave became a pilgrimage site during a devastating drought around the year 900 that contributed to the collapse of Mayan civilization.
—
Gina Decaprio Vercesi, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025
For most of civilization, people have lived in monarchies or tyrannies of some sort, and most of them managed to be OK.
—Jeremy P. Shapiro, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025
One of the most prolific and influential writers in the history of science fiction, Asimov is also well known for his Foundation series, exploring the rise and fall of civilizations across a galactic empire, which inspired the Apple series, heading into its third season.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025
This monumental discovery highlights the sophistication of the Maya civilization, with its intricate architecture and urban planning.
—Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for civilization 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Gina Decaprio Vercesi, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025
For most of civilization, people have lived in monarchies or tyrannies of some sort, and most of them managed to be OK.
—Jeremy P. Shapiro, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025
One of the most prolific and influential writers in the history of science fiction, Asimov is also well known for his Foundation series, exploring the rise and fall of civilizations across a galactic empire, which inspired the Apple series, heading into its third season.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025
This monumental discovery highlights the sophistication of the Maya civilization, with its intricate architecture and urban planning.
—Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for civilization
Dictionary Entries Near civilization
Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
civilization
noun
civ·i·li·za·tion
ˌsiv-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən
1
a
: a high level (as in art, science, and government) of social development
b
: the way of life of a people
ancient Egyptian civilization
2
: the series of changes involved in becoming civilized
3
: refinement of thought, manners, or taste
4
: a situation of urban comfort
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share